Sabbath: The Bible – The Authoritative Source of Our Theology
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Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Mark 7:1-13; Rom. 2:4; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Cor. 10:5-6; John 5:46-47; John 7:38.
Memory Text: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20, NKJV).
There is no Christian church that does not use Scripture to support its beliefs. Yet the role and authority of Scripture in theology is not the same in all churches. In fact, the role of Scripture can vary greatly from church to church. This is an important but complex subject that we will explore by studying five different influential sources that impact our interpretation of Scripture: tradition, experience, culture, reason, and the Bible itself.
These sources play a significant role in every theology and in every church. We all are part of various traditions and cultures that impact us. We all have experiences that shape our thinking and influence our understanding. We all have a mind to think and to evaluate things. We all read the Bible and use it for our understanding of God and His will.
Which of these sources, or combinations of them, has the final authority in how we interpret the Bible, and how are they used in relation to each other? The priority given to any source or sources leads to very different emphases and results and will ultimately determine the direction of our entire theology.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, April 25.
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“Clearly, our experiences shape our reading of the Bible. We are all wearing tinted glasses, lenses that help us to see some things very clearly but distort our vision elsewhere. Think, for instance, of the parable of the Prodigal Son. When 100 North American students were asked to read the parable and retell it, only six mentioned the famine the prodigal experiences away from home. In a word, American readers tend to be "famine-forgetters," perhaps because most Americans simply have not experienced terrible famine. Compare the response of 50 Russian readers to the very same parable: 42 out of 50 mentioned the famine. Why? The cultural history of famine in World War II has deeply embedded itself in the Russian consciousness, and this cultural lens influences what Russian Christians see in a biblical text.”
https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/bible-answers/theology/how-does-culture-affect-way-we-understand-scripture.html
We are all reading the scriptures with our own bias; therefore, be aware of misinterpreting the authors message when reading.
My ways are not your ways and my thoughts are nor your thoughts declares the Lord.
Enlightening comment. The biases for which we all look through when reading Scripture and interpreting it affects so much the meaning we gain from it. Well said. I appreciate it very much.
Because of our biases, that is why we need the holy spirit to guide,lead and give us true understanding of the word of God. we can't read the bible like any other book. Always we need to pray for the guidance of the holy spirit before we read the bible to get the understanding of the word of God.
Yes, indeed we do.
I like the analogies drawn. Our biases are clear. It is for such reasons that there are so many denominations and much confusion in the religious arena.
It is against this backdrop that the importance of reading the Bible prayerfully and with an open mind becomes foundational.
God in His foreknowledge left nothing to chance. He declared: “My ways are not your ways and my thoughts are nor your thoughts.”
Sadly, our biases are usually clear to everyone but ourselves.... hence our desperate and continuing need of the wonderful Holy Spirit.
Yet God's word, including this parable of the prodigal, will reach every soul, no matter their past experience. The point of the parable will convict all, since all are lost from the Father and in this they find the path to Him and see how great is His love for even the most wretched.
Does the study tell what the others DID focus on?
Our personal bias will not keep the Spirit from bringing a conviction to every soul of it's personal need and God's great mercy and providence to meet it, and every reader must yield to this conviction in order to be free of misinterpreting the Author's message. If we do not stifle this conviction, this Word will "reprove, correct, and instruct in righteousness...".
While we believe that the Bible is the authoritative source of our theology, the question remains about how we transmit that belief to others. If the only result is of that belief is the affirmation of our belief then we have entered a cloistered circular argument that is of no use to anyone.
I have recently started reading a book on why we believe, and while the book is written in more general terms than spiritual belief it raises the serious issue of how we come to believe and why we stay in belief. To put it it terms that we understand, and at the same time have some application for, "our beliefs are based on who you know and not what you know".
And in spite of the fact that some may think that statement is a little simplistic, it is the essence of the Gospel. If we know Jesus, then we are in a position to believe him. And if our actions are consistent with than belief, then that provides the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work on those who interact with us. When you think about it, few people are convinced by the theology of the gospel, but when they interact with Christians who have a relationship with Jesus, and find our actions consistent with Jesus then that makes sense. The biggest detractor to theology is the hypocritical life of one who claims Christianity but lives inconsistently with that claim.
In that respect, I think that William's article this week gives us much to think about.
So appreciated William's essay. Spot on.
The article in christianiy today has Christ and His church in a central position. Having red all of this valuable material, it came to my mind that Christ is also the one that has a twoedged sword coming out of His mouth (Revelation 1:16) at times fighting against errors creeping into the church (Revelation 2:16). The same is true on the personal level. (Hebrews 4:12) Thus, Christ with His twoedged sword is judging culture, intellectualism of post modern interpretation of scripture a well as our teaching on the Godhead, sin and salvaion. Christ and His word is indeed the center of the church guiding His believers througout all of her history.
Winfried Stolpmann
Who says give me a child until he is 7 and I will give you the man?
Is it true? Many who study the brain say yes! Why? In the early years a child's brain is just downloading tons of information and perceptions without a logical filter. These perceptions remain with the person for life, although they can be consciously reprogrammed if necessary. This why the influencers are so important in early childhood.
However even throughout our life we are susceptible to being influenced, but now we can engage our logic and accept or reject inputs if we are discerning. Rom 12:2, Heb 4:12, Heb 5:14
This week lesson might be the most important one. If we want to be honest about it or not, most of our beliefs in the Bible are being influenced by our tradition (sda), experience (family upbringing), culture(American), reason(our intellect), and bible.
How do we read and study our bible in order to get what God is saying? First, we have to be like children who are just learning everything the first time. That is why it is very important for us to ask the Holy Ghost to lead us in all truth. “ every age there is a new development of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation (Christ’s Object Lessons p.127)”. We have present truth that we have to deliver to this world which is that God loves them no matter what is not going on.
Everyday I am praying to God to enlighten me. I don’t want what I learned before stops me from learning new truth. I want to be like the Bereans who searched the truth at the same time respecting that others might see things different than me. You might say that there is no division among God’s people. Jesus told His disciples that He had truth to tell them but they were not ready(John 16:12). Could it be that I am wrong instead of Brother J or Sister M? Could it be that I am too arrogant that the Spirit can’t teach me any new truth?
My prayers for me and all of you is that we let the a Holy Spirit leads and guide us in all of truth.
Jude, the bible teaches that "the wise will understand", and also points out that "the wicked shall to wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand".
How does one become wise? Yes, the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom", so how does one "fear"? I believe Matt 7:24 gives us the key to understanding on this.
Our sinful condition with all of the fallen, mortal limitations upon it make it challenging for God to explain Himself to us. After all Adam and Eve ran and hid from God when He arrived at the appointed time to meet with them. Suddenly the now mortal pair were afraid of God when prior there was nothing but open arms. Thankful for God's patience with us all who come to the Bible with varied experiences and temperaments that result in differing views of the Word. We should be patient with each other as well.
"There is no Christian church that does not use Scripture to support its beliefs.
This is an important but complex subject that we will explore by studying five different influential sources that impact our interpretation of Scripture: tradition, experience, culture, reason, and the Bible itself."
Do you suppose that if we studied the Word of God without allowing these mentioned influences to 'interfere' with our understanding and practice we would have one Christian denomination?
I think we cannot study without the interference. The best we can do is realize they exist and seek to be humble in our ability to truly ascertain the meaning of a particular text on our own.
Not being made robots, I think that even if the clutter of those particular influences were removed we would still have some degree of differences. But you bring up another interesting question for which to contemplate. Without the sin condition would we all see God the same way?
Norma, how do we overcome the influences that surround us?
According to the Bible, "this is the victory that overcomes the world; even our faith". And, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God".
We are taught by Jesus that the Holy Spirit will convict every soul, so it comes down to either accepting or rejecting this conviction doesn't it? If we reject the conviction, we are allowing the other influences to prevail. It seems the choice is ours to make.
Having just read through the lesson for the coming week, I am impressed with the fact that, in a way, this may not be as simple a matter as the writers make it out to be. There is a fine balance to be sought, and it's not always easy to find. I agree that the Bible must be the final authority, taking precedence over tradition, experience, culture, and even reason. On the other hand, without any of those other things -- especially our ability to reason -- we'd be utterly without any way of knowing what the Bible is even trying to say.
Consequently, three things stand out in my mind. One is that we are totally dependent on the Holy Spirit to give us an understanding of the Scriptures. Though we make use of those other factors, our ultimate reliance must be on this divine aid. Secondly, our ability to understand the Bible has more to do with the condition of our heart than the capabilities of our intellect. Jesus said that, if it is our determined purpose to actually do God's will, then we shall be able to discern true doctrine from false. Thirdly, I am impressed with the need to consult with one another. None of us should be too sure of himself. All are liable to err. That's one reason why we are a church family. We can't just believe whatever our church teaches, but we need to have an open enough mind, and a humble enough heart, to receive correction.
Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a Light to my path Ps 119:105
Quote from Kevin--'Thankful for God's patience with us all who come to the Bible with varied experiences and temperaments that result in differing views of the Word. We should be patient with each other as well'.
I like your approach to the study. We come here from Kindergarten learning to Tertiary learning, we come from different background in culture, ethnic groups, socio-economic differences etc. None of the disciples were alike, twelve men of twelve different likeness/type/education etc. But God was willing to work with each of them in his own time and way. For three and half yrs he tried with them and still they did not got it. Some were even given nick names e.g doubting Thomas, Sons of thunder (headstrong,impetuous, intolerant and authoritarian), etc. It was after his ascension they finally got it. I encouraged all to read the book "Help in Daily Living" we will see how we will start seeing thing differently.
All who profess to be children of God should bear in mind that as missionaries they will be brought into contact with all classes of minds. There are the refined and the coarse, the humble and the proud, the religious and the skeptical, the educated and the ignorant, the rich and the poor. These varied minds cannot be treated alike; yet all need kindness and sympathy. By mutual contact our minds should receive polish and refinement. We are dependent upon one another, closely bound together by the ties of human brotherhood. {HDL 39.3}
Let us bear with one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.
It is not by much learning the world will recognize us.
Churches "use Scripture to support its beliefs"
Some time ago I had made a similar statement that "our doctrines are supported be the Bible". Someone countered me and said, "Doctrines are a human creation". It rather startled me as most would agree that a true doctrine must be one that is supported in scripture, or it isn't a true doctrine.
But thinking about it, he had a point. Doctrines, in all the various churches, are what humans THINK the Bible says. They are usually constructed by gathering several texts from all over scripture that give it strength. Thus we have these great variations in doctrines, yet all with their list of texts, and all saying they are supported by scripture.
How do we find true doctrine then?
A person can prove just about anything from scripture if they cut and paste enough phrases, but that is not necessarily true doctrine.
Yes, we need the Holy Spirit. Without Him it is impossible to discern spiritual things. We need to pray, opening up our minds to God, asking Him for understanding.
The second step is to KNOW the scriptures.
Just lifting a text from its context may or may not be helpful.
How does it fit in the broader context? What were the circumstance it was addressing.
Before focusing on certain texts, it's good to read the whole chapter, or even the whole book through, to get the context, and then go back to study the verses.
By comprehensive study of whole sections of scripture we form that Biblical foundation upon which we can build in our understanding of doctrines throughout our lives.
Back in the 1980's when we were met by challenges against our beliefs. I sat down and read all the writings of Paul in a week. Then went through several of his letters a little slower. I can only say, that doing so explained a lot of things, showing the bigger picture, not the narrow one being used by the ones leaving the church.
I have found this article by Marcos Torres so profound, it explains the reasons for what I believe and why they are different to other Protestants. It gives me confidence that my beliefs are based on the understanding that God is love and that He in enters into our space and time to be with us, that it has been His plan from before the foundation of the earth as revealed in the heavenly sanctuary.
https://lightbearers.org/blog/why-is-adventism-so-weird/
Norma, I like to reply to your question whether all Christians could be as one 'denomination'.
I think so. Though, it would not be the kind of 'denomination' we know from the organized churches. We already are one church in Christ.
As long as the believer, when asked 'whose' or 'which' denomination he/she 'belongs' to can answer - 'Christ's'!
If we believe, first and foremost, that we are all children of the the God who has send to us His Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior and the Holy Spirit to be our Guide, than we are one.
I wish it were this simple! The organized Church could come together to just lift our hearts to praise the Lord and 'shout for joy' in one accord; to read more often during the sermon time just from the Scripture the WORD of GOD and allow the power of HIS Word do the work in the heart of the believer and seeker for the truth; and to edify each other and others through works based on the love for each other.
John 17 is Jesus' prayer for his followers - to all of them - then and now. Living anywhere in the world; growing up with and influenced by all kinds of circumstances, but being united in the faith of Jesus.
I say the faith 'OF' Jesus. It is because of HIS faith and obedience to His Father that we are saved - all believers, anywhere in the world. The understanding that it is Christ's faith that unites us is so very important for us to understand. Ultimately, first and foremost, it is not our faith that saved us.
It is Christ's faith that united us again with the Father - Gal.2:16. He is the new Adam and in him we are born again.
Remember that All who believe are written in the Lamb's Book of Life and are also are found in the Creator's Book of Life.
There is no reference anywhere in the Scripture that says that only those belonging to a specific denomination will be saved. The Scripture speaks about any believer who accepts the redemptive work of our Savior Jesus Christ on his behalf and lives according to His revelation will be saved.
The Jews were rebuked when some of them demanded of the gentile believer to include customs unique to only themselves in order for this Gentile to be included in the new 'Faith'. They still wanted to show themselves to be 'special' in some way (just like the many denominations), instead of embracing the new way to be lived 'by faith only' based on 'Sola Scriptura' - which makes us all equal in the eyes of God.
1 John Ch.3 speaks to us about the children of God. Please, read it in its entirety. You will 'see' that there is no denomination or separation of any kind. All who believe in Jesus and the One who send him are His Church, His Bride.
Verse 5: But WHOSO keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.
Verse 24,25: Let that therefor abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
Other passages from the Scripture that show that believers from all the world are already one church in Christ Jesus:
Rev. 7:9; Rev.20:11-15; Rev.22:17.
Gal.4:6 - And because ye are sons (and daughters), God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Dear Brigitte !
I totally agree with your arguments ! Jesus said it very clearly: "I AM the way,
I AM the truth, I AM the life, no-one comes to the father than by me." That has nothing to do with denomination, nothing to do with religion, nothing to do with certain rules and regulations. It has only to do with ones character and the way how we treat each other. Jesus gave us one commandment: "Love one another." And that is the basis for everything else. Period.
I love the question that Norma Forde posed. I have to believe that if we took away all the preconceived ideas of all the different religions, and each individual prayerfully and Holy Spirit led, studied the scripture, that we would find we have a more unified and Christ centered belief. Jesus promised the John 16:13, When he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. I have to trust that Jesus meant what he said.
One Bible, and 40,000+ churches/denominations that claim to follow it. So who's right? The Bible tells us who the true church is doesn't it? They keep the commandments and the faith/testimony of Jesus, and come from "every kindred, tribe, tongue and people".
In the end, we find "144,000" who "follow the Lamb" and who have "washed their robes and made them white" in His blood.
How does one follow the Lamb? What has He taught us?
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me"
"deny [yourself], take up [your] cross and follow Me"
"Abide in Me"
"Repent and believe the Gospel"
"Go and sin no more"
"Therefore, be perfect as your Father in Heaven"
"except a man be born again..."
"whoever hears my sayings and does them..."
"Watch and pray!"
"Beware lest any deceive you!, many will come in My name and will deceive many!"
"It is written, man shall...live...by every word...from God"
"To him that overcomes..."
"Leave your nets(entanglements?) and follow Me"